Need MIG welder suggestions?

[TRICKSIXPA]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a MIG welder. I looking to spend not more than $700 throw some brands and models out there for me to think about. It's basically only gonna be used in my garage. Gonna be used for exhaust, body panels, and maybe to beef up the frame. I've been looking for anybody selling a used setup locally but what are some of the issues with used units??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dynoman]

I have a Miller 135 , it's a 120v unit with a bottle . I've had it 8+ years with zero problems . My son has put many spools of wire through it while building his custom air rided S10 Extreme , lots of custom sheet metal work . It was about $700 new . One word of advise is get a good helmet . I used a cheap Harbor Freight helmet for quite a while and didn't realize how much easier it is to weld when you can see what you are doing . I ended up getting one from Lowes for about $100 and it's sooooo much better . Good luck , Sam

 

[charlief1]

Ask Gary about the welds I did on my frame Stefan. My body was done with the 110 unit. It was done with a 110 Hobart and a 220 Hobart. Got them from tractor supply and can use flux or gas with either of them. The ugly welds were done with the 110 and the liner needed replacing on the torch but the 220 unit works great. The liner for the torch is usually the biggest issue and you can buy a liner fairly cheap. Installation only takes a few minutes if you have to replace the liner. Get some splatter paste for the tip and use it as well.

 

[buddy]

I have a Lincoln 180 cost $675. You can use it with gas or flux core. There is a spool Gun available for around $220. I did all the body work and exhaust on my car as well as making some heavy duty joist and beam hangers for my job. It is one of the best purchases I've made.

 

[BuickMike]

Another happy long term Miller 135 owner here, but the Lincoln 180 looks pretty cool. Looks like it can run on 110 or 220. That is pretty sweet!

 

[ALBERTAN]

I'm going to post in here because I think the OP may find the info helpful.

I'm looking to get a welder as well, mostly to do some chassis reinforcements on the car (I've been meaning to shoot you a PM on this Charlie). My buddy who has BTDT with his autocross Syclone and LS RX7 recommended a 3-in-1 Tweco unit. My father in law, who was a welding instructor at the local college for 15-20 years ending in the mid-90's, told me stick welding would be more than adequate for what I want to do and not to spend too much on a fancy unit. Needless to say, I'm a little conflicted now. I had a 220 volt plug put in my shop for a welder, and I only want to buy once.

I hope this fits the theme of the original thread.

 

[John Larkin]

Don't buy a stick welder. The learning curve is difficult unless you just want to make globs and spatter. Get a 220v 180 amp or so. Hobart Handler, Lincoln, etc. They are all about the same. Not so sure about flux core wire but lots of people use it. If you can buy it for a decent deal at your local welding supply store you can probably get a few lessons there also and those are invaluable when starting out.

 

[mikes86ttop]

Miller 212 auto set here, WILL do anything...Mike

 

[buddy]

I don't really use flux core unless I'm doing some real thick shit 1/2" and I want to get that little extra penetration and I'm not as worried about having the weld look perfect.

 

[TRICKSIXPA]

I was looking at the Hobart handler 140 and saw someone selling a used Miller 135 with cart and tank for $500.
What is the biggest difference using 220 compared to 110 setting?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[charlief1]

The 220 unit has more penetration for heavier (thicker) metal Stefan. The heat ranges are the same but it allows you more flexibility in what you do.

 

[buddy]

Th only pro to a 135 or 140 amp machine is the fact that it can run off 110 meaning it has the flexibility to be used off a regular extension cord for out in the field.

 

[psycho6cyl]

I have a Lincoln 140hd. Love the machine. I've mainly done bullcrap with it but have had zero problems. I don't have a bottle and use flux core. Its a little sloppier/more splatter but nothing crazy. I had no real reason to buy it. I purchased it and haven't looked back. Love every min of it..

 

[TT/Ameasap]

Hobart 190
1/2'' first pass ever without fine tuning
I was a pro welder for 15 years and this little machine is nice. I also have the aluminum spool gun and it works better than some of the high dollar Cobra's I used to work with.

I am doing a console for my 55 today with it and will post pics.

 

[87GNT]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a MIG welder. I looking to spend not more than $700 throw some brands and models out there for me to think about. It's basically only gonna be used in my garage. Gonna be used for exhaust, body panels, and maybe to beef up the frame. I've been looking for anybody selling a used setup locally but what are some of the issues with used units??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just go to Harbor Freight and pick up an inexpensive MIG 90amp/120V for $98.00 dollars if all you want is to do basic exhaust and sheet metal work.

 

[ITSAV6]

Eastwood has pretty good welders, has good deals on ebay too in east woods ebay store

 

[20psiofevil]

I have a Lincoln 140hd. Love the machine. I've mainly done bullcrap with it but have had zero problems. I don't have a bottle and use flux core. Its a little sloppier/more splatter but nothing crazy. I had no real reason to buy it. I purchased it and haven't looked back. Love every min of it..

Lincoln 140 here as well. Works great! I have welded 1/2" plate with it. Just bevel the edges.

 

[Mike T]

I have owned a Lincoln SP-130T for about 20 years now and have only had to replaced the liner. I have welded a lot of body panels and frames over the years with it and could recommend one of these little machines for sure if they still made it.

Since your post I've been in HD to look at their Lincoln 140 and in my opinion they do not appear to be the quality of the older welders but I'm sure that they will work just fine. I think any name brand MIG will work well for you but I would recommend something dual voltage or 220 because having the extra power is always nice.

If it ever comes time to replace my current MIG I would consider this one by Lincoln that is dual voltage and DC TIG (steel only no aluminum) capable. Also attaching a spool gun would be nice for aluminum. http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.c...cpc&utm_content=3073&utm_campaign=product-ads

 

[2QUIK6]

I've got a Hobart Handler 220, made by Miller, and have used it with solid wire and gas for at least 13 years now, built my entire steel garage with it, built a boat dock and boat house with it, do several complete exhausts with it, a carport, another carport for the trailer, and a dozen or so side jobs with it...its been used extensively and not one single issue with it, only have replaced the tips several times! Bought it at Tractor Supply and they carry most any replacement parts for it. Hell I haven't even had to replace the liner.
The 220 will allow you to weld up to about 3/8" thick plating. On my dock, it came in handy when the the guy I had to drive my posts broke his stick welder, I used it to weld 4" drill stem together in 20 foot sections every time they would pound 20 ft into the mud.

 

[Rebel]

I have a Hobart Handler 140. I agree with the helmet, I have a Miller that works good. My biggest problem is I can't weld for shit. The welder and helmet look impressive though. And no Charlie, JB Weld doesn't count.